Agenda item

This report seeks Members’ support for approval of the Council’s Taxi Licensing Policy.  It advises of the consultation undertaken and the amendments made to the draft policy following the consultation.

Members considered a report that sought their approval of the Council’s Taxi Licensing Policy.  It advised of the consultation undertaken and the amendments made to the draft policy following the consultation.

The Environmental Protection Manager drew Members’ attention to the impact of emissions on public health and wellbeing and gave details of the work that was being carried out to improve air quality in the city.  He stressed the importance of adopting a taxi emissions policy to further this work.

Officers drew Members’ attention to Annexes 1 and 2 of the report, which detailed the responses to the consultation and which commented on the points made by the consultees. They also sought to address issues that had been raised during the public participation item on the agenda.

It was noted that:

·        The policy had been reworded in respect of write-offs

·        Emissions Euro Standards – the policy had been amended in relation to wheelchair accessible vehicle, to permit Euro 5 diesel.

·        In respect of private hire vehicle and operator licence condition wording for side plates, the Licensing Officer explained that the wording of the condition had been changed under officer delegated powers contained with the Council’s Constitution.

·        Tinted windows – the Licensing Officer explained that the Council had relaxed the condition in relation to rear windows, however, a different tint level requirement was in place for the windows that overlook the boot area for estate type vehicles.

·        Referring to concerns that had been raised regarding the knowledge test, officers explained that the test had been reviewed and updated a few years ago due to the number of people who failed the test because it had been in two parts.  There was now only one test comprising of 30 questions.  The pass mark was 26.  Since the change to the test had been introduced, more people passed the test on the first or second attempt.  Guidance information was provided to all new applicants, which contained details of the knowledge test.

·        Three-year drivers licenses – this was a requirement of the Deregulations Act 2015.  The policy had been amended in relation to the wording of the paragraph relating to refund of fees.

·        Details were given of the DBS checks process and why, for legal reasons, DBS checks could not be shared if they had been completed under a different “workforce” requirement.  The policy would be amended in relation to accept checks for other authorities if they had been carried out under the correct “workforce”, were within date, and/or drivers had signed up to the update service with the DBS.

·        Clarification was given in respect of drivers ring in jobs.  It was noted that this related to private hire drivers who, due to legal requirements, were not permitted to “ring in jobs” on behalf of customers.  The customer was required to contact the operator.

Members considered the issue that had been raised in respect of side plates lettering size.  They agreed that the sizes should be a minimum, with larger letters accepted.

Members also agreed that the wording of the policy should be amended to include drivers’ wellbeing.

Tribute was paid to the important contribution that the drivers

made to the city and the work that they carried out. 

Resolved:  That, subject to the agreed amendments detailed above, the proposed policy be adopted.

Reason:     To allow the Council to introduce a Taxi Licensing Policy.